Tool to pierce and split a coconut

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of a tool to pierce and split a coconut to facilitate removal of the water and meat from the nut. The tool includes of a body ( 100 ), comprising a frame ( 110 ) sufficient in size to accommodate a coconut and a constrictor cup ( 124 ), a shaft ( 210 ) which has releasably engaged tap assembly ( 300 ) and a releasably engaged splitter assembly ( 400 ). The body has a hub aperture ( 160 ) to receive the shaft ( 210 ). The shaft has means to urge both the cutting and the splitting end into coconut. Other embodiments are described and shown.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of PPA Ser. No. 60/991,340 filedNov. 30, 2007 by the present inventor, which is incorporated byreference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to kitchenware, specifically to openingcoconuts.

2. Description of Related Art

A coconut consists of water at the very center which is surrounded bymeat, or endosperm, a thin brown cuticle, or testa, a hard brown shell,or endocarp, and an outer husk. The outer husk is usually removed beforethe coconut is sold for cooking.

Throughout time the opening of coconuts has been a somewhat difficultand hazardous undertaking. Although there is no set formula, thetraditional approach has involved the use of a range of dangerous toolsincluding machete, cleaver, cutlass, hatchet, knife, hammer, nails andice pick. To the novice, the use of any of these tools can be hazardousand lead to both personal injury and damage to property. The task is notmade any easier by the ungainly shape of the coconut. One approach tomaking the opening of the nut easier is to heat it first. However, thispractice is not ideal since it drives off some of the essential oils inthe meat and also makes the meat more liable to become rancid.

Several solutions to opening the nut and the husk have been proposed butmost are for commercial use and involve large, expensive machinery.There therefore exists the need for a safer tool to perform thehazardous task of procuring the water and meat from a coconut in thekitchen, and, one that is inexpensive to produce and compact in size.The only apparatus known to the applicant that can perform the cuttingfunction in a kitchen is U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,088 to Rubio (1982).However, this appliance has a number of drawbacks, mainly emanating fromthe fact that it is electrically powered. This adds to the size andcost. It also requires repeated opening of the cover to start and stopthe electric motor to facilitate the tightening of the cutters againstthe coconut until the nut is completely cut in half. A furthershortcoming of Rubio's device is that he does not provide for theremoval of the valuable coconut water prior to cutting.

With respect to the piercing of the coconut, in order to drain off thewater, the applicant considered U.S. Pat. No. 1,277,308 to Gunturiz(1918) but found it suffered from the usual drawbacks from hammeringinto the ungainly shaped nut. Namely, the potential of the hammeringleading to injury, and or, smashing the nut thereby possiblycontaminating the water and meat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,559 to Sanabria(1992) is designed to puncture through the husk and the nut in order togain access to the water. There are two issues with this invention.Firstly, with this invention, the husk is still on and this implies thenut is young and not well developed. As the coconut matures the nutbecomes harder and can only be penetrated through the softer eyes afterdehusking. Secondly, it has a sharp blade and the invention does notaddress the issue of supporting the ungainly shaped nut while attackingit with this potentially dangerous tool. Another related piece of art isthe Australian device known as the CocoTap AU Pat. 2004101090 to PaulDouglas Richardson (2005). This device suffers from the same two issuesas the Sanabria invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, a tool to reduce the hazardous natureof piercing and splitting the ungainly shaped coconut in order to gainaccess to its water and meat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2D shows various aspects of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool with a shield

FIGS. 4A to 4D shows various aspects of a tap

FIGS. 5A to 5J shows various aspects of a splitter

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clamp

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment.

FIGS. 8A to 8D shows various aspects of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment.

FIGS. 10A to 10D shows various aspects of a gearing assembly.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

100 Body 110 Frame 120 Base plate 124 Constrictor cup 125 Fossa 126Spikes 140 Hub 160 Hub aperture 165 Frame aperture 170 Grip 180 Channel200 Drive assembly 210 Shaft 220 Handle 230 Aperture 240 Securingapertures 250 Hollow 300 Tap assembly 310 Barrel 320 Lugs 350 Sharp edge360 Inspection port 400 Splitter assembly 410 Shank 420 Chisel 440 Ball450 Socket 460 Swivel joint 470 Concave blade 500 Shield 510 Latch 550Clamp assembly 552 Upper flange 554 Middle flange 556 Lower flange 558Threaded aperture 560 Clamping device 562 Clamp handle 564 Threadedshaft 566 Swivel plate 610 Flared head 700 Gear Assembly 710 Spur gear720 Screw pinion 730 Lever

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment—FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of my coconut openingtool. The tool has a body 100 comprising of an anvil or base plate 120,a frame 110, and a hub 140. I presently contemplate that the body ofthis embodiment is made from stainless steel and is fashioned as a solid“C” or “G” shape. However, the body can have different shapes, forexample a hollowed square, and be constructed of different suitablematerials such as, but not limited to, other steels, plastic, wood etc.

The base plate 120 is substantially horizontal and sits in the lowerportion of the body 100. The upper side of the base plate 120 has aconstrictor cup 124 (FIG. 2C) fashioned into it by having a series offossae 125 (FIG. 3) carved out of it. The fossae 125 are elliptical inshape and of decreasing size and increasing depth as their foci getcloser together. The fossae 125 nearest the center have foci so closetogether they are substantially circular. The depressions that thesefossae create are designed to approximate the shape of a coconut and areintended to secure the nut from moving off the base plate 120. Thegradual reduction in the fossae sizes is to facilitate coconuts ofvarying sizes. The constrictor cup 124 may, or may not, have its surfacefinished with a plurality of threads, spurs or spikes 126 (FIG. 2D). Thehub 140 is substantially horizontal and sits on the upper portion of thebody 100, above the base plate 120. There is a hub aperture 160 in thehub 140 to accommodate a drive assembly 200. The hub aperture 160 isthreaded in this embodiment but does not have to be in all variations ofthis invention. The frame 110 has a grip 170 built into it. In thisembodiment the grip 170 is a handle (FIG. 2A). However, the grip couldtake many forms including, but not limited to, a bar with inset spacefor fingers, the upright of frame 110 fashioned to be gripped in thepalm etc. The frame 110 has a plurality of channels 180 to receive ashield 500 (FIG. 3).

The drive assembly 200 consists of a shaft 210, a handle 220, and aninterchangeable tap assembly 300 or an interchangeable splitter assembly400. The shaft 210 is threaded in this embodiment but does not have tobe in all variations of this invention. The shaft 210 has an aperture230 near one end to accommodate the handle 220. The other end of theshaft 210 is hollow 250 and contains two securing apertures 240 ready toreceive said interchangeable tap assembly 300 or said interchangeablesplitter 400.

The tap assembly 300 consists of a hollow barrel 310 which has adiagonal sharp edge 350 at its base (FIG. 4B) and an inspection port 360on the side of the barrel. The diameter of the barrel 310 is such thatit will slide inside the hollow 250 end of the shaft 210 (FIG. 4A). Nearthe top of the barrel 310 are two lugs 320 (FIG. 4C) that are springloaded and ready to lock into the securing apertures 240 of the shaft210. I presently contemplate that the tap assembly 300 in thisembodiment will be as described above and made of stainless steel.However, it could be manufactured from other suitable materialsincluding, but not limited to, plastics, wood, other steels etc. Also,the tap assembly 300 could be solid, more like an ice pike or like acork screw or any other suitable piercing design.

The splitter assembly 400 consists of a shank 410 and a chisel 420 (FIG.5A). The diameter of the shank 410 is such that it will slide inside thehollow 250 end of the shaft 210. One end of the shank 410 has two lugs320 that are spring loaded and ready to lock into the securing apertures240 of the shaft 210. The other end of the shank 410 is shaped into aball 440. The chisel 420 has a socket 450 formed in it to accommodatethe ball 440 of the shank 410. The combination of the ball 440 and thesocket 450 create a swivel joint 460 (FIG. 5B). The chisel 420 has aconcave blade 470. The shape of the concave blade 470 is designed toapproximate the curvature of the side of a coconut. I presentlycontemplate that the splitter assembly 400 in this embodiment will be asdescribed above and made of stainless steel. However, it couldmanufactured from other suitable materials including, but not limitedto, plastics, wood, other steels etc. Also, the chisel 420 could befashioned in other ways, for example the blade could be made fromvarying degrees of curvature or it might be flat not concave.

The shield 500 is shaped to fit snug into the frame 110 (FIG. 3). Inthis embodiment it would slide into a slots or the channels 180 and besecured with some form of a latch 510 to the frame 110. The shield 500may, or may not, be molded to keep the coconut more secure on the baseplate 120. The shield 500 in this embodiment is made of transparentplastic but it could be made from any suitable materials like, but notlimited to, stainless steel mesh.

A further enhancement to this tool is the provision of a clamp toprovide means to secure said tool to a kitchen top, table or othersimilar stationary flat work surface. One embodiment of this enhancementcould be the clamp assembly 550 consists of a frame with an upper flange552, a middle flange 554, a lower flange 556 and a clamping device 560(FIG. 6). The lower flange 556 has a threaded aperture 558 to receivesaid clamping device 560. The clamping device 560 consists of a clamphandle 562, a threaded shaft 564 and a swivel plate 566. The upperflange 552 attaches to the base plate 120 through a clamp slot 570.

OPERATION First Embodiment—FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

The theory of operation of this tool for opening a coconut will now bedescribed. Firstly, it should be understood that the prior art foropening a coconut involves either cutting or smashing the nut with ablade, hammer etc. This invention uses the application of concentrated,constant pressure to the constrained coconut. In effect, the coconut isheld in a vice like manner between the urging splitter and theconstraining base plate. This has two advantageous effects. Firstly, thegreater the pressure, the less opportunity the coconut has of escapingfrom the constrictor cup 124 in the base plate 120. Secondly, the act ofapplying concentrated pressure on the constrained coconut causes the nutto crack, or split.

The operation of the piercing and splitting tool will now be described.Firstly, before opening a coconut the prized water needs to be drainedoff. To achieve this, start by loading the tap assembly 300 in to thebottom of the drive assembly 200. To secure the tap assembly 300,squeeze in the two lugs 320 on the barrel 310 and allow them to pop intothe two apertures 240 on the shaft 210. Place the coconut vertically inthe body 100, resting it in the constrictor cup 124 with the coconut'sthree eyes uppermost. Slowly turn the handle 220 until the sharp edge350 of the tap assembly 300 has aligned with, and started to cut into,one of the eyes. Slide the shield 500 into the channels 180 and secureto the frame 110 with the latches 510. Use one hand to steady the toolusing the grip 170 and the other hand to turn the handle 220 until thetap has cut through the eye of the nut. The operator will feel this whenthere is less resistance to the handle 220. The operator can now electto bore out a second eye using the same method of operation. This willhelp the flow of water but is not essential. Remove the shield 500 andwithdraw the tap assembly 300 by turning the handle 220 counterclockwiseuntil the barrel 310 is clear of the coconut. Lift the coconut off thebase plate 120 and pour the water into a collecting vessel.

Remove the tap assembly 300 by squeezing in the two lugs 320 to clearthe securing apertures 240 then slide off the shaft 210. Now load thesplitter assembly 400 in to the bottom of the drive assembly 200. Tosecure the splitter assembly 400, squeeze the two lugs 320 on the shank410 in and allow them to pop out into the securing apertures 240 on theshaft 210. Place the coconut horizontally on the constrictor cup 124allowing it to sit snug in the depression formed by the fossae 125. Findone of the seams that start between the eyes of the coconut and runsdown through the equator of the nut. Rotate the coconut until this seamis sitting directly below the concave blade 470 of the chisel 420.Slowly turn the handle 220 until the concave blade 470 is just startingto exert pressure into the seam of the coconut. Slide the shield 500into the channels 180 and secure to the frame 110 with the latches 510.Use one hand to steady the tool using the grip 170 and the other hand toslowly turn the handle 220 urging the chisel in to the coconut. The goalhere is not to drive the concave blade 470 all the way through thecoconut but to produce enough pressure on the nut to cause it to splitcleanly in half. After a few turns, if the nut has not split, leave thenut under pressure for a short while. Then turn the handle 220counterclockwise until there is enough room to rotate the coconut 180degrees. Oftentimes, the releasing of this force on the nut causes it tosplit. If not, repeat the steps necessary to urge the chisel 420 backinto the opposite side of the coconut. Depending on the maturity of thecoconut, and therefore its hardness, the nut should split easily. Fortougher nuts just repeat the last two steps until it yields and splits.Remove the shield 500 and withdraw the splitter assembly 400 by turningthe handle 220 counterclockwise until the concave blade 470 is clear ofcoconut. The coconut is now split and its meat accessible.

DESCRIPTION Alternative Embodiment—FIGS. 7 and 8

The difference between this embodiment and the first one is that insteadof the tap assembly 300 and the splitter assembly 400 beinginterchangeable, both are incorporated in the frame 110 at the sametime. This is accomplished by the inclusion of a frame aperture 165 inthe frame 110 located to be approximately in line with the central axisof a coconut placed horizontally on the constrictor cup 124. The tapassembly 300 with its drive assembly 200 is then threaded into the frameaperture 165. The splitter assembly with its drive assembly 200 is thenthreaded into the hub aperture 160. The frame 110 would be adjusted insize to accommodate this alternative embodiment.

OPERATION Alternative Embodiment—FIGS. 7 and 8

In this embodiment the coconut is placed horizontally in the body 100,resting it in the constrictor cup 124 with the coconuts three eyesfacing the frame aperture 165. Lower the splitter assembly 400 until itlocks the coconut into the constrictor cup but do not over tighten.Slowly turn the handle 220 of the tap assembly 300 until the sharp edge350 has aligned with, and started to cut into, one of the eyes. Slidethe shield 500 into the channels 180 and secure to the frame 110 withthe latches 510. Use one hand to steady the tool using the grip 170 andthe other hand to turn the handle 220 until the tap has cut through theeye of the nut. The operator will feel this when there is lessresistance to the handle 220. The operator can now elect to bore out asecond eye using the same method of operation. This will help the flowof water but is not essential. Remove the shield 500 and withdraw thetap assembly 300 by turning the handle 220 counterclockwise until thebarrel 310 is clear of the coconut. Release the splitter assembly 400 byturning its drive assembly counter clockwise. Lift the coconut off thebase plate 120 and pour the water into a collecting vessel.

Place the coconut back horizontally again on the constrictor cup 124allowing it to sit snug in the depression formed by the fossae 125. Findone of the seams that start between the eyes of the coconut and runsdown through the equator of the nut. Rotate the coconut until this seamis sitting directly below the concave blade 470 of the chisel 420.Slowly turn the handle 220 until the concave blade 470 is just startingto exert pressure into the seam of the coconut. Slide the shield 500into the channels 180 and secure to the frame 110 with the latches 510.Use one hand to steady the tool using the grip 170 and the other hand toslowly turn the handle 220 urging the chisel in to the coconut. The goalhere is not to drive the concave blade 470 all the way through thecoconut but to produce enough pressure on the nut to cause it to splitcleanly in half. After a few turns, if the nut has not split, then leavethe nut under pressure for a short while. Then turn the handle 220counterclockwise until there is enough room to rotate the coconut 180degrees. Repeat the steps necessary to urge the chisel 420 back into theopposite side of the coconut. Depending on the maturity of the coconut,and therefore its hardness, the nut should split easily. For toughernuts just repeat the last two steps until it yields and splits. Removethe shield 500 and withdraw the splitter assembly 400 by turning thehandle 220 counterclockwise until the concave blade 470 is clear of thecoconut. The coconut is now split and its meat accessible.

There can be alternative urging means to both of these embodiments. Onesuch urging means is the use of a gearing. An example of this is agearing assembly 700 being attached to the shaft 210. FIGS. 10A-10Dshows said gear assembly 700 consisting of a spur gear 710, a worm orscrew pinion 720 and a lever mechanism 730. Other alternative urgingmeans include, but are not limited to: a rack and pinion force on theshaft, similar to the “rabbit” style cork screw; a force from a leverarm onto the shaft; an electric motor; etc.

DESCRIPTION Alternative Embodiment—FIG. 9

This embodiment is a variation on the first embodiment. The shaft 210 isnot threaded. Aperture 160 in the hub 140 is not threaded either. At thetop of the shaft 210 there is no handle 220. Instead the shaft has aflared head 610.

OPERATION Alternative Embodiment—FIGS. 9

In this embodiment the operation is the same as in the first embodimentwith one exception. Instead of driving the shaft 210 into the coconut byrotating the handle 220, the shaft is urged down by applying a force,with a hammer or similar tool, to the flared head 610.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodimentsfrom my tool to pierce and split a coconut become evident:

-   -   a) The need to use dangerous tools like an ice pick, awl etc. to        pierce the eyes of an unrestrained coconut has been eliminated.        The only sharp point, or edge, is contained within the shield        500. Furthermore, the recessed base plate keeps the coconut from        moving away from the piercing tool. This should help avoid        personal injury and damage to property.    -   b) The need to use a dangerous tool like a machete, cleaver,        cutlass, hatchet, knife etc. to open an unrestrained coconut has        been eliminated. The only sharp edge is contained within the        shield 500. Furthermore, the recessed base plate keeps the        coconut from moving away from the splitting/cutting edge. This        should help avoid personal injury and damage to property.    -   c) Because this is designed as a tool for the kitchen, made from        materials that can easily be cleaned this is a much more        hygienic way of opening a coconut. The options used to date        often included tools from the garage, or workshop, and also        could involved placing the coconut on the floor in order to be        able to hit it with a dangerous instrument. Coconut water and        meat will no longer be spilt on the floor.    -   d) As a result of the simplicity of this invention it can be        made at a low cost making it affordable for most.    -   e) It is quite compact in size and will not take up much space        when in use or when being stored.    -   f) Since this invention does not need electrical power this also        keeps the manufacturing cost down and the size more compact.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly the reader will see that at least one embodiment of my toolto pierce and split a coconut provides a safer, more hygienic, compact,yet economical device that can be used by most cooks.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Manyother ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings ofthe various embodiments. For example, the frame could be square, oval,“G” shaped etc and could be modular or in sections rather than integral.As indicated earlier it could be made from any material that can takethe pressures involved and can be kept hygienic. In any of theembodiments, the frame 110 could be made adjustable to accommodatedifferent sized coconuts. Furthermore, on this point of size, this toolcan be constructed to accommodate a coconut in its husk. The samefunctions of piercing and splitting can be performed through the husk aswell as the nut.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

1. A tool to pierce holes in a coconut comprising: a) a body comprisinga frame sufficient in size to accommodate a coconut, a constrainingmechanism when combined provide means for stabilizing said coconut, b) ashaft with a cutting end, c) said frame having an aperture in its upperside for said shaft to pass through, d) in combination with said frame,said shaft having urging means to apply force to said cutting end topierce hole in the coconut, whereby a person can pierce a hole in aconstrained coconut safely and thereby drain the water from saidcoconut.
 2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said frame aperture has a femalethread and wherein urging means is downward rotation of said shaft thatfurther includes a handle and further has a male thread and isthreadedly mated with the female thread of said frame.
 3. The tool ofclaim 1 wherein said body includes means to attach a shield.
 4. The toolof claim 1 wherein said body includes means for gripping to secure itduring operation.
 5. The tool of claim 1 wherein said cutting end hasmeans to be releasably engaged to said shaft.
 6. The tool of claim 1wherein said body has means for securing to a work surface.
 7. The toolof claim 1 wherein urging is the combination of a lever mechanism andmeans for providing gearing for coupling rotational energy from saidlever mechanism to said shaft.
 8. The tool of claim 1 wherein urgingmeans is a lever arm
 9. The tool of claim 1 wherein said tool comprises:a) said frame aperture has a female thread and wherein urging is thecombination of a lever mechanism and means for providing gearing forcoupling rotational energy from said lever mechanism to said shaft isdownward rotation of said shaft and further the shaft has a male threadand is threadedly mated with the female thread of said frame, and b)said body includes means to attach a shield, and c) said body includesmeans for gripping to secure it during operation, and d) said cuttingend has means to be releasably engaged to said shaft, and e) said bodyhas means for securing to a work surface.
 10. A tool to split a coconutcomprising: a) a body comprising a frame sufficient in size toaccommodate a coconut, a constraining mechanism when combined providemeans for stabilizing said coconut, b) a shaft with a pivotal splittingend, c) said frame having an aperture in its upper side for said shaftto pass through, d) in combination with said frame, said shaft havingurging means to apply force to said splitting end to split the coconut,whereby a person can split a constrained coconut safely and thereby gainaccess to the meat of said coconut.
 11. The tool of claim 10 whereinsaid frame aperture has a female thread and wherein urging means isdownward rotation of said shaft that further includes a handle andfurther has a male thread and is threadedly mated with the female threadof said frame.
 12. The tool of claim 10 wherein said body includes meansto attach a shield.
 13. The tool of claim 10 wherein said body includesmeans for gripping to secure it during operation.
 14. The tool of claim10 wherein said splitting end has means to be releasably engaged to saidshaft.
 15. The tool of claim 10 wherein said body has means for securingto a work surface.
 16. The tool of claim 10 wherein urging is thecombination of a lever mechanism and means for providing gearing forcoupling rotational energy from said lever mechanism to said shaft. 17.The tool of claim 10 wherein urging means is a lever arm
 18. The tool ofclaim 10 wherein said tool comprises: a) said frame aperture has afemale thread and wherein urging is the combination of a lever mechanismand means for providing gearing for coupling rotational energy from saidlever mechanism to said shaft is downward rotation of said shaft andfurther the shaft has a male thread and is threadedly mated with thefemale thread of said frame, and b) said body includes means to attach ashield, and c) said body includes means for gripping to secure it duringoperation, and d) said splitting end has means to be releasably engagedto said shaft, and e) said body has means for securing to a worksurface.
 19. The tool of claim 10 wherein said frame having an aperturein its side for a shaft with a cutting end to pass through, incombination with said frame, said shaft having urging means to applyforce to said cutting end to pierce hole in the coconut, whereby aperson can safely pierce a hole in a constrained coconut and therebydrain the water and gain access to the meat from said coconut.
 20. Amethod for opening a coconut to facilitate the removal of water and meatfrom said coconut comprising: a) providing a tool comprising a bodycomprising a frame sufficient in size to accommodate a coconut, aconstraining mechanism when combined provide means for stabilizing saidcoconut, and a shaft, and a cutting end, wherein said cutting end hasmeans to be releasably engaged to said shaft, and a pivotal splittingend, wherein said splitting end has means to be releasably engaged tosaid shaft, and a frame having an aperture in its upper side for saidshaft to pass through, and in combination with said frame, said shafthaving urging means to apply force to said cutting and said splittingend, and a means to attach a shield to said body, and a means to gripsaid body, b) inserting coconut vertically into said constrainingmechanism with coconut eyes uppermost, engaging said cutting end intosaid shaft and attaching said shield to said body, c) urging saidcutting end into a coconut eye until it pierces a hole, d) removingshield and coconut from tool to drain water through pierced hole, e)releasing said cutting end and engaging said splitting end in saidshaft, f) placing coconut horizontally in said constraining mechanismwith a seam uppermost and attaching shield to said body, g) urging saidsplitting end into side of coconut until enough pressure has beenapplied to cause the coconut to split, h) remove said shield and removethe coconut, whereby a person can pierce and split a constrained coconutsafely and thereby gain access to the water and meat of said coconut.